Use Of Magnesium Carbonate

Magnesium carbonate is a naturally occurring form of magnesium and appears as a white powder or soft rock. Magnesium carbonate can be found in several different forms, the most common being magnesite, which is insoluble in water; this makes it ideal for many food and industrial uses. Magnesium carbonate is used throughout the manufacturing industry for a wide variety of applications and plays a small role as a food additive.

Food Additive

Magnesium carbonate is given the food additive designation of E504 and is used to regulate the acidity of certain foods. Magnesium carbonate is also used as an anti-caking agent because of its insolubility in water. According to the Food Info website, high doses of magnesium carbonate can have laxative effects, which is why it is commonly used in laxative agents to relieve symptoms of constipation.

Salts

In 1911, the Morton Salt company began adding magnesium carbonate to its products to act as an absorbing element. Since salt is highly soluble in water, magnesium carbonate added to Morton's Salt helps keep it from dissolving when it's exposed to water or moisture, increasing the product's shelf life by acting as a preserving agent. The Morton Salt company came up with the slogan, "When it rains it pours" to point out that with the addition of magnesium carbonate, the salt would not stick together or clump.

Practical Uses

Magnesium carbonate has a chalk-like feel and appearance and is used as a hand-drying compound. Weightlifters, gymnasts and rock climbers all use magnesium carbonate to keep their hands dry while climbing or competing to help steady their grip and prevent moisture from sweat from making their hands slippery. The cosmetics industry uses magnesium carbonate as an absorbent and coloring agent in some products.

Uses as Magnesite

According to the Geology website, the most common form of magnesium carbonate, called magnesite, is used in refractory brick making and is a common constituent of cement. Magnesite is also used in the flooring, fireproofing and fire extinguishing industries and is a filler material in the plastic and rubber industries. According to its Material Safety Data Sheet, magnesium carbonate is relatively safe, but it can cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation in some people.